FARMINGTON HILLS, MI -- In 2004, Bosch increased its North American sales by 17 percent, to $7.8 billion. Dynamic growth activity was seen in all three of the company's business sectors: automotive technology, industrial technology, consumer goods and building technology.

"We are pleased with our 2004 sales growth," said Kurt Liedtke, member of the board of management, Robert Bosch. "Bosch has been fortunate to continue its growth in North America by providing innovative technologies to our customers. With continued investment in research and development, managing our diverse product portfolio and balancing our sales structure, we are poised to achieve further growth in this market."

Bosch's North American automotive technology sector saw a sales increase of approximately 16 percent to $5.2 billion in 2004. It is Bosch's largest business sector with approximately 14,000 associates in North America. In 2004, Bosch became the largest automotive supplier in the world in terms of sales, and is one of the leading suppliers in North America.

Industrial technology sales increased by 30 percent to $1 billion. A key growth contributor in the Industrial Technology sector was the 2004 acquisition of Sigpack, a market leader in packaging machinery for the pharmaceutical, food and confectionery industries.

The Consumer Goods and Building Technology business sector saw growth of 23 percent, resulting in 2004 revenues totaling $1.6 billion. In North America, Consumer Goods and Building Technology employs approximately 6,000 associates and supplies products that include power tools, security systems, home appliances and thermotechnology.

Bosch globally will plan to pursue regional expansion, and has identified North and South America as two key regions for growth. Both regions currently contribute 18 percent of Bosch's global sales.

“Bosch has identified the Americas as a key growth region because of the economic, production and product opportunities the region offers," said Liedtke. "To achieve our long-term growth goals, we will remain focused on key attributes -- innovation, product diversity, long-term perspective and quality.”

_______________________________________

Click here to view the rest of today's headlines.